Service Times

Final Profession of Sister Florence

Sister Florence's Final Profession took place on 4th June 2017

‘Sister Florence’s final Profession Mass and the celebration that followed, was all about ‘Family’. Both Sr Florence’s extended Malaysian family, widely scattered across the four corners, and the Boarbank family, smaller, but to where the Lord has led her, and the Community she has chosen to join, to devote her service alongside theirs.

Of course, she has been at Boarbank for some years, mainly in the nursing home, carrying out her duties with a smile and a listening ear, and has endeared herself to the residents and guests alike.This was a special day for Florence and the Community alike, where, after a journey of study, contemplation and reflection, the knowledge of what God has in store for your life, allowed her to commit herself to the service of God.

The day began with laughter and sunshine, and it carried on as it started. Florence’s family were all dressed in national costume, and it seemed as if every member had a role to play in the celebration which was colourful and musical.

The day (4th June 2017) was, of course, Pentecost Sunday where the gift of the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, and it felt as if we were all filled with joy on this special day, with 7 priests and Bishop Michael in charge of the service.Florence made her final vows which were received by Sr Eileen (the Prioress) and Florence was then formally received in to the Community and greeted by all the other sisters with much affection and loads of smiles all round. Her last greeting was for Sr Laurence who has been unwell lately and was sitting near the back of the chapel.The Offertory Procession took the form of a dance down the aisle, and the last 2 lines of the hymn:‘ Hold me now in your hands, form me now with your SpiritHere today, I, the clay, will be moulded by my Lord’seemed to echo conversations Florence had with my wife and I in the past.

The Communion song was a modern version of ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul’ by Matt Redman called ‘Ten thousand reasons’ (have a look on Youtube for his work). This was followed by a Malaysian song, accompanied on guitar by Florence’s brother in law Edward.

The family photos, due to sheer numbers, took quite a while to get together to everybody’s satisfaction. Everyone then gathered in the Drawing Room for a superb buffet, expertly put together by the kitchen staff, followed by more music, dancing and fun from the Malaysian players extraordinaire, performed with great enthusiasm and considerable volume.

Even Bishop Michael was enticed onto the floor, and proved a quick learner as he was taught the correct steps. Afterwards he was presented with a gift from Florence’s family of a miniature headpiece (called a sigah) and looked touched and highly delighted with his gift.We hope the photos will give you a small taste of the day and some idea of the joy of the occasion. Thanks to all Florence’s family, friends and the Augustinian Sisters from Boarbank and Ince Blundell for helping to fill the day with joy.

You can see a collection of photos from the day in the slide show below. They will change automatically but you can go backwards and forwards and stop the show using the buttons

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